Islamic Republic of Iran’s Constitution of 1979 with Amendments through 1989

Judicial Independence

Article 156. The judiciary is an independent power, the protector of the rights of the individual and society, responsible for the implementation of justice, and entrusted with the following duties: 1. investigating and passing judgement on grievances, violations of rights, and complaints; the resolving of litigation; the settling of disputes; and the taking of all necessary decisions and measures in probate matters as the law may determine; 2. restoring public rights and promoting justice and legitimate freedoms: 3. supervising the proper enforcement of laws; 4. uncovering crimes; prosecuting, punishing, and chastising criminals; and enacting the penalties and provisions of the Islamic penal code; 5. taking suitable measures to prevent the occurrence of crime and to reform criminals.

Attorney General’s Office

Article 162. The chief of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor-General must both be just mujtahids well versed in judicial matters. They will be nominated by the head of the judiciary branch for a period of five years, in consultation with the judges of the Supreme Court.